Dancer's Circle

The relaunch of Dancer's Circle podcast could not have started better! 
This episode I got to talk to the gorgeous Lauren Turner, an Aussie dancer from the Moulin Rouge and not only! With Showgirl Experience throughout Paris and Germany, as well as the stages of Australia and the stages out at sea, Lauren knows a thing or two about what it takes, and what it means, to be a working professional. But that is not why I adore this human. It is the way her feet are firmly planted in the ground, whilst her heart speaks loud and clear! Her declaration against bullies and being unkind is speaking my language and it gets me standing right alongside her pledging my allegiance to the cause! We spend a first half of the episode talking Industry and Paris theatre and Moulin and some tips on how to get there, and stay there, tangents and all. We then had a series of internet drop outs  which I've cut out to save you hearing a whole lot of "can you hear me, I can see you but. . . oh no lost you bla bla bla "! Hahaha, it got wild. Then finally we finish the second half with some deeper, really valuable human talk that you are going to want to drop yourself all into, roll around at least 20 times in, and come back up feeling seen, understood and ready to go go go in this crazy, but totally worth it,  career that we choose over and over and over again. 
It is real, it is honest, it is human. Just. Like. Dancer's. Circle. 
Human First dancing souls. Repeat after me.
Now get dropping and rolling. Marinate yourselves for a good hour. 
Bisous! 
PS -  Want to find Lauren's sustainable and ethical activewear? Its called PTL. Physique The Label and a little birdy told me they are having a little give-away right now! Follow on Instagram and feel confident in who you are - exactly as you are. Love Nat xxx 
PPS- Lauren and I are going to rendezvous in Paris later this year if anyone wants to join  us, kind hearts and strong spirits all welcome. 

What a beautiful,  powerful human.
What a talented, epic dancer. 

There is so much in this episode, I am not even sure where to start. 

But I will try. 

If your soul says HELLO to things like following your dancer dreams , like random spontaneous exploring , like living in awe and gratitude and standing in presence, like wholehearted living embracing the highs and lows and everything in between, like tree hugging and sea breathing, like belly laughs, like not giving up and being oh so damn real real real in all. the. feels.... then this is your episode.

It is ALSO your episode if you want a glimpse into the life and career of a spectacular human and dancer who has worked for Artistic legends such as JLO, Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift, Ricky Martin, Rita Ora, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Derulo, and Paula Abdul. This Los Angeles based Australian dancer with less than 10 years in the Industry has managed to work in jobs, shows, spaces and places that are truly exceptional in such a short amount of time.
Not only commercially, she has also worked her Soul Magic and artistry in Musical Theatre (Wicked, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Peter Pan) and a string of impressive TV and theatre credits seriously too extensive to name here. Not to mention who she has assisted in her role as choreographer, the CV is nothing short of golden.

Dancer's Circle IS all about #humanfirstdancersecond and so, with that said, this human brings so much truth to the forefront of what it means to be a human who dances, and brilliantly. We speak of resilience, of reframing, of trust and faith, of voice, of the importance of allowing yourself to be the non dancer, of travel, of time out, of overcoming obstacles, of navigating through anxiety spirals and self doubt, of connection, of the inner voice, of authenticity, of working with your body, of grit, of awe, of spirit, of magic, of dreams and of 360 degree dancer human care. 

Tash is a special Soul and I really want to celebrate someone who is using her influence and social media presence to serve a larger mission, to help the next woman, the next dancer. To keep it real in the best kinds of ways. Thank you Tash. Keep taking up the space in the way that you are.  It is light warrior work. You shine in it so powerfully. I also can not wait to see you dance live one day!

*Side note - In the lead up to this episode, and the prepping for it, this 80's baby host got the Paula Abdul album on full volume, body rolling through my house, leaping over the kitchen table, gyrating to Vibeology, rapping to Opposites Attract and feeling the feels with a dramatic lyrical to Run Run as 10 year old me came to mind, crying into a pillow about a boy and suffering my first dose of unrequitted love. It got intense. When you know, you know. Not born in the 80's? You missed out ;) 

Enjoy this one ;) So much in it. SO SO much. 
Let us do the real work dancing Souls. 
It is where the magic is.

All things Showgirl!!! 

From a truly amazing Australian Showgirl with stories of international Showgirling and what it has meant for her. 

She shares her stories of seeing the world, of cruising, of Paris theatre and of not taking no for an answer from Janet. AKA never giving up on a dream!

We talk transitions, training, live theatre and the many lessons to learn at every stage of a professional dancer's career. 

Aussie grind culture comes up as well as the stresses that can place on a human, and the sometimes non glamorous life of a working dancer and business owner. 

We finish the conversation with a beautiful description of what is Showgirl and how magnetic it is as a genre so much so I get tears in my eyes and literally feel my heart expand with every ON POINT word Jane says.

Showgirl lover? This is the chat for you. 

She is my girl crush in the Showgirl world for sure! xox 

It isn't every dancer's story to get to their mid 40's and still be working as an Entertainer. 
But it IS Hayley's.
This is the Episode to drop in on if you want a refreshingly real chat from a professional dancer/aerialist/contortionist/acrobat/showgirl and everything in between with a career going on for 25 years and no sign of stopping. 
From the UK, this travelling, dancing, sun shine filled SOUL is someone everyone should come across at least once in their life. She is a gift. 
We talk about how dance is where we find ourselves, where we feel our belonging, our calling... WHO we are. We speak about THE ZONE and THAT feeling that we are able to reach on the stage doing what we were born to do.  Where we feel WHOLE.
Hayley opens up about the pressures of outside voices and social pressures surrounding "a real job" .... YES that old line we have heard over and over,  and we even share our experiences about pregnancy and motherhood and how that impact,  and is impacted by, our dance experience. 

*Trigger warning*
We raise our hands to body dysmorphia and disordered eating and speak a brief but honest truth around that. 

We also own our worthiness obstacles and healing around that, and I point out how important it is to challenge some of the trends/coping mechanisms in the Industry so that healthy, empowered dancers can be nourished, and nourishing, in their careers! As opposed to self condemning, self harming and self sabotaging behaviours and norms! Hint- It starts with accessing that beautiful wholeness we encounter in the dance zone, in our human- ness. 
#Humanfirstdancersecond.

We extend our empathy to young dancers today who are trying to get going during a Pandemic... hang in there babes!!! Stay golden and know this too shall pass and Hayley reminds dancers to stay true to their dreams and their soul's desires. She wisely highlights how crucial it is to let the inappropriate, discouraging voices of others wash over us and to just keep swimming! 

Disclaimer - We laugh ALOT. Hayley has that effect on most people. Her light and laugh jumps on you like a jar of razzle dazzle, until you find yourself immersed in it! 

We even get distracted by a few impromptu quasi show renditions as we teleport ourselves back the stage... and we discover how we uncannily keep having the same crazy dreams! If you are an ex dancer, you might even relate to this one!!! Let me know ;) 

Look my dancing soul friends, it is a mixed bag this one. Have a listen, have a laugh on us and take the encouragement if that is what you are needing. We love you.  Dazzle darlings! 

Nat and Hayley. 
xxx

 Oo la la here we are with the girls of the Moulin Rouge!!! BUT we don't talk only red feathers and rhinestones.... although it was tempting. We went to the real deal. We spoke about dance training and growing up in a ballet culture where perfection is the goal, and how damaging that can be for many young dancers.
We talk about how the idea that "once we get there" everything will feel amazing and arrived at is nothing but a myth. The journey, in fact, never ends and so the key is in staying in the present, practising self love and self compassion all the way through the journey. 
We speak about connecting to the joy of dance and having agency in choosing a dance career or walking away from it with empowerment. 
The girls open up about the pressures at the Moulin that sit side by side to the immense gratitude with being on that iconic Paris stage night after night. The magic of that curtain call, almost missing the curtain call and how it feels to be dancing side by side by your friends who inspire you and share your passion with you. 
They give us some insight into the rigorous audition process and just how stressful and challenging audition life in general is! 
We speak a little French, go to the Paris piazzas for a quick second, and I offer my short legs  to Janet in case she needs a stand in one night ;)
Honestly... there is so much in this episode it is more hectic than a 15 minute Can Can. 
Get it girls. xxx 

Bree reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine from the Mr. Men series!
She is GOLDEN. 

A background in Cruise ships, solid training out of Sydney and living in Brisbane Australia, she is a fierce dancer who has a long and strong career ahead of her. 

This conversation was light filled and highlights some really helpful ways that a human and a human dancer can navigate rougher seas from a more empowered and conscious space of being. The necessity of doing that too!

We spoke about dance, dance training and dance career. The challenges, the auto criticism, the break throughs, the adaptability, the celebration and the mission.

We also share a lockdown in Italy back in March, with Bree in the North and myself in the South and we dove into a chat about what that felt like, the surreality of it all, and the lessons we learnt through it. Hint*It is in the mud that we learn the biggest lessons.

Of course the convo went to all things Italy and the dolce vita :) We loved all over Italian coffee, the slower pace, the value of a family lunch, the connection, the presence, the priorities, the emphasis on LIVING and BEING and even Bree's amore.... Alex. 
Yes we love him too. 

What I love about Bree. well many things, but what shone through on this episode is the way she is standing in her duty to shine her light on those around her especially in her teaching. She is walking the talk, gifting other young dancers with a sense of worth and joy that we need in every studio space across the world. She sees every day as a blessing, and every day that we dance as even more. 

Stage note of the episode?
Make life living art.

Yes beautiful girl. You are so on point. Keep shining. 

Well if you like all things Showgirl, red feathers and diamonds then this episode is one for you to drop into. I lurrrrrved it.

We talk full time training, we talk first contracts national and abroad, we talk being human first, dancer second. Surprise, surprise ;)

Katrina, as a young Australian dancer who up until earlier this year was working at the Moulin Rouge in Paris (and in a matter of a few days went from a curtain call to an emergency flight home)  chats with me about the challenges she has had as a dancer, but also more importantly what has helped her every step of the way in her career. Including her Circle, staying out of the comparison game and taking time out and time home when needing it. 

She also shares the lessons she has learnt this year in what has been a forced stand still for the entire industry.  They are good ones!

We have a laugh, as we always do, and we remind ourselves of just how amazing a dancer's career can be, giving particular homage to all that is the quintessential Showgirl. 

We revel in a mutual knowing that all the hurdles and hills (so many of them) are all worth it when it comes to matters of the soul. When your soul speaks dance, its always a good idea to listen and lean into it. With love, compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others. 

Stage note of the episode?
Standing still is part of the chorey xxx

Not really, but almost. Listen to the episode and you will understand the episode title. 
What a fun conversation full of feathers, backstage vibes at the Pink Flamingo on the Gold Coast Australia, laughter, classic show biz shenanigans, and hand over mouth moments. 

We talk all things Event's Entertainment from 3 Australian mission driven entertainment providers and the latest debacle surrounding the AFL, Sunrise and Channel 10. Which, as we sadly know, is only one part of a much bigger values oriented issue. 

David Camm from Entertainment works and Jane McPhie from Class Act Creative and myself, standing in this space as the Director of Dancers 4 Events Productions and the facilitator of Dancer's Circle, are these three voices who I have no doubt echo the reaction and hurt felt by so many Australian entertainers recently.... and for far too long. 

We get off track, then back on track, and talk about the many things we can do (and not do) to possibly help Australia's creative arts sector and the human souls living their livelihoods within it. (Or trying to). Human first! *Mantra reminder. 

Hint - It is a bottom up, unified, collaborative and committed effort from all arts peeps to stand firm and say "we don't do that anymore". To quote David. 

Look, I zoom in from Southern Italy, we start at a classy dinner show, we lose David half way through then he reappears, we cry a little, get a little angry, I get on the stage in Queensland with Jane virtually (and my heart explodes), we throw out some lines and words that possibly need censoring and then we end up in David's abandoned Kebab shop in Sydney which houses half of Bangkok's costume selection drinking a bottle of red and trying on expensive backpacks in true entertainer's style. 

Behind all the razzle dazzle, there is the pain and the struggle, and here is a conversation that might spark some more conversation which might spark some movement and change. That is the idea my friends. Get sharing, get talking, lets get changing. 

We can do an impossible quick change in 10 seconds flat... we can do anything! 

#paythedancers

Ok this episode has it all including a rabbit, a mime act, deep house yoga, roller skates, laughing, talking about the "olden days" (of which my gorgeous girl Scarlett placed me in hahaha) and why when it all comes down to it, being healthy and whole, and in JOY, is really the key to it all. 

Social media is chatted about, the good and the bad. Scarlett shares her experience with this platform and how boundaries, intention and energy work for her. PS/ It IS working for her. 

We go to the current state of the Industry and what we CAN do from this place of stagnation and stillness, flipping it into a place for opportunity, re-evaluation and re-alignment both for the industry as a whole but also us as individuals and the role we play in that collective. We talk about how this is the perfect time for crashing down narratives that are unhelpful and unnecessary, and instead fill up everyone's cup with the magic of living a purposeful, happier life. 

Human first, dancer second. If we take care of the human, the art will be epic. The art won't be suffering and we won't be suffering in the art! Dancer's Circle fave mantra right there.

There is yet another call out to Elizabeth Gilbert's book, "Big Magic". Go read it. 
Brilliant. I pull it out as it describes the sabotaging mechanism of placing a joy source purely into a work box. Creative flow and inspiration stifles and the lived experience can be painful. Instead when we allow joy and creation to exist for existing sake, and as a font for happiness and process then that is when we produce beautiful, empowered art. Side effect, more work. Win win. We also love the artistic journey when we embody it in this way. 

Scarlett is a perfect example of Big Magic. Just chat with her.

We notice Sydney's hectic pace and grind mentality, and negate it. Not fun peeps. Slow down, notice things. Take a deep breath. Value your joy time too.

We also comment on the importance of versatility for a performer and how now might just be the time for dancers to explore other skill bases. I proudly admit to my very basic hula hoop skill which most certainly seconds my mime act ability. The only certain thing is I make Scarlett laugh. We also go off on a few tangents talking nutrition and PT, and highlight the role of a health coach and tackling mindset always.

Scarlett shares how a chat over coffee started the sparks of her recent business, Dance Fit Studios Sydney. Together with her business partner, they are providing the space and community for real dance soul food. I promise that when I am back in Sydney I will be at the first deep house yoga lesson they run with my sequined unitard and all my yogi vibes ready to go;) 

Scarlett is a gem and this episode was all grace, ease and flow. Grateful. 

Wow.
What can I say?
We finished this conversation and had no idea what we had spoken about. What showed up clearly needed to show up. 
There is a whole lot of cheek in this keeping it fun, naughty and oh so real. Sounds much like our old backstage talk and smut so enjoy that dancers;)
But on a serious note, we do go deep on Cruise Ship life, as well as the structures, meanings and access that this career path gifts (and takes). We celebrate it AND go one step further. Take a listen to grasp just how. You might resonate. It gets personal.
We talk about a duality that exists and that is plaguing me! That of the on stage phenomenon! Are we performing something that is not of ourselves? Therefore giving ourselves the freedom and permission to play a role -  and so we shine brilliantly? Or is it that we are our truest selves on the stage totally aligned in our creative expression and power of the now? We tease that apart for you... and for us. 
Rebecca opens up about her ongoing struggles with self love and self worth, and I ask the question on behalf of most dancers out there. Why can we not see our greatness off the stage the way we stand in it on the stage? It is as if it simply falls off us when we take a step side stage. As we take off the costumes and the makeup, so too goes our self confidence and belief in our power. For far too many of us. 
We talk themes of transitioning out of a dance career, of chronic injuries, of the fear of staying still long enough to rehab or rest, the tough 'suck it up' dancer approach, the avoidance of 'normal life' and the function of yoga for a dancer. 

There is banter over thongs, microphones, english words like palaver and Muriel's wedding. Some room changes, and things that were too fun to edit out. So I kept it real and rough. 

We nod to the attraction and beauty of the soul dancer (Bec is one) and give reverence and importance to the healing journey. We talk about sitting with our pain, reaching out and holding space. We allow ourselves to be vulnerable and acknowledge that it is through the sharing of our raw stories that we ignite our belonging, our collectiveness, our connectivity and our oneness. All as yearned for, and as necessary as, the air we breathe. 

I celebrate Rebecca as I know she won't do it for herself. She is a talented, fierce soul dancer, impacting lives with her creative expression on stages all over the world and I love reminding her of her unconditional and ever flowing, inherent beauty and worth... on and OFF the stage. 

May we always be wild, free, loved, loving, playful dancing souls on our healing journeys together my dear friend.